Engineering Machinist

Engineering Machinist Position Description

The Engineering Machinist (EM) assists the SSTH Director of Lab Operations and Safety Specialist with lab safety, ordering, and inventory. The EM supports the chair and faculty members of the Physics and Engineering Program by training faculty and students in equipment operations and maintaining/repairing/testing/calibrating equipment, and coordinating with IT on equipment‑specific software installation and testing.

The person who fills this position must personally agree with Biola’s Articles of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles and be supportive of the positions taken by Biola as contained in its Eschatology Teaching Position. As such, this person may not speak against or act in a manner inconsistent with these positions during the course of their employment at Biola.

Physics and Engineering Program in the Division of Technology under the School of Science, Technology, and Health.

Primary Supervisor:
Program Chair of Physics and Engineering
Secondary Supervisor: SSTH Director of Lab Operations and Safety Specialist

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or associate degree in engineering technology with 2 years of previous engineering lab technician, machine shop technician, or closely related experience.

• Exempt (01), full-time – 40 hours/week, 12 months per year.
• This position requires personal attendance at Biola’s campus in La Mirada, California.

• Equipment Operations, Maintenance, and Repair:
  Oversee the daily operational requirements of the engineering garage. Proactively maintain the commonly used engineering equipment, including but not limited to 3D printers, CNC routers, milling machines, lathes, MIG/TIG welders, laser cutter, and power tools. Perform minor repairs in‑house and outsource major repairs to manufacturers or third‑party contractors. Investigate and recommend alternatives for obsolete models. Perform CNC programming and machinery setup.
• Training and Supervision:
  Train faculty, adjunct faculty, part‑time student employees, and students in the proper operation of equipment. Supervise all users of the engineering garage/machine shop.
• Service Agreement:
  Acquire service contracts for engineering equipment as needed for the machine shop.
• Lab Safety:
  Assist the SSTH Director of Lab Operations and Safety Specialist in developing and enforcing safety protocols for the engineering labs and engineering garage/machine shop. Stay current with OSHA compliance and regulations in the disposal of hazardous materials.
• Faculty and Student Support:
  Assist students and faculty with engineering design and fabrication for academic projects. Organize equipment, supplies, safety glasses, etc. on a daily basis.
• Purchasing:
  Order Engineering Machine Shop equipment, supplies, and software; update ordering software with expense and purchase information.
• Inventory Management:
  Maintain inventory of engineering equipment and supplies.
• Installation and Testing:
  Perform installation, testing, and calibration of new equipment.
• Coordination with IT:
  Work closely with IT staff to ensure the installation and testing of equipment‑specific software.
• Additional Duties:
  As assigned by the Program Chair of Physics and Engineering and the SSTH Director of Lab Operations and Safety Specialist.
• Meet with the Program Chair and Director of Lab Operations on a regular basis.

• Must retain California State certifications for necessary equipment and safety compliance or work towards obtaining the necessary certifications within 1 year.
• Familiarity with commonly used machine shop equipment and tools.
• Proficiency in modern additive manufacturing/3D printing.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Competent in oral and written communication.
• Being resourceful and adaptable when faced with challenges.
• Manage multiple responsibilities without compromising quality.
• Work independently and cooperatively.
• Attention to detail.

$72, annual